India Rising: Road to EWC – A New Era for Esports and Chess in India
India Rising: Road to EWC Launched to Propel Esports and Chess Talent
In a groundbreaking move for the Indian gaming community, the Esports Foundation and JioBLAST announced a partnership on Monday to launch “India Rising: Road to EWC,” a national qualification pathway for the Esports World Cup 2026. This initiative aims to elevate Indian talent on the global stage, starting with chess as its inaugural competitive title.
The program will kick off with nationwide online qualifiers, culminating in an offline final in Mumbai. The winner will earn a coveted spot in the Esports World Cup 2026 chess main event, set to take place in Riyadh from August 11 to 15 next year. Organizers anticipate participation from over 10,000 players in the open registration process, while titled Indian players will gain direct entry into the closed qualifier stage.
The Mumbai event promises to be a spectacle, featuring exhibition matches in popular games such as VALORANT and Moba Legends: 5v5!, alongside engaging creator programming and fan activities.
Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to unite the global gaming community. India is central to that vision.” He expressed optimism that the partnership with JioBLAST would create new opportunities for Indian players to compete at the highest level, bringing the EWC closer to its fans.
JioBLAST CEO Charlie Cowdrey echoed this sentiment, highlighting India’s passionate gaming community but noting the absence of a clear pathway to global esports stages. “Partnering with the Esports World Cup to build India Rising: Road to EWC will change that,” he asserted.
India has recently emerged as a powerhouse in chess, with young talents like Gukesh Dommaraju, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi making waves internationally. The nation was also represented at the Esports World Cup 2025 by Nihal Sarin and Erigaisi, showcasing the potential of Indian players on the world stage.
Chess made its return to the Esports World Cup last year, where Magnus Carlsen claimed the inaugural title. The upcoming 2026 edition will feature a 21-player field and multiple qualification routes, including the newly established India Rising pathway.
As the countdown to the Esports World Cup 2026 begins, the India Rising initiative is set to ignite the competitive spirit among Indian gamers, paving the way for a new era in esports and chess.